Sentry Page Protection
Tip Store: Finances: Piggybank Savings
Every Dollar Counts
It might be hard to be motivated to save money. I found the following helped me to stay motivated. $1 invested, in 30 years time is worth $8. Start multiplying this and it adds up over time.
Contributed by Ann Green
Contributed by Ann Green
DIGITAL COIN JAR
With Covid and the reluctance to use cash this year and everything being paid for electronically, my coin jar was getting a little depleted. I have started rounding up all my purchases from my spending account and transferring the 'change' to my savings account e.g. I bought something for $9.80, so I transferred the .20 to my savings. Little by little this adds up just like a coin jar, but digital.
Contributed by Pearl Squire
Contributed by Pearl Squire
Taught by a Teenager
My youngest son, who is just about to turn 18, taught me this invaluable tip. When looking to buy something he has a simple rule "if you want to buy something, you must have enough money to buy at least two". Easy. So if you want to buy a $2 chocolate bar, you must have at least $4. You don't have to buy 2, you just have to have enough money to be able to. Obviously this doesn't apply to essentials like a new fridge etc.
Contributed by Tammy Marks, 8th January 2015
Contributed by Tammy Marks, 8th January 2015
Saving Without Knowing or Missing
I have started to fill a container that you can't see in (so no one can see it's contents) with 5 cent coins. When I come home from shopping I get all the 5 cent coins out of my purse and put in them in the container. You don't miss them being in your purse and you are quite surprised when you actually look inside how many you have. You could do it with 10 cents but I found I seemed to have more of the 5 cent coins and they are hard to get out of the bottom of your purse, so easier to put into the jar or container.
Contributed by Lynette Stewart, 2nd March 2013
Contributed by Lynette Stewart, 2nd March 2013
My Purse May be Broken, But It Still Saves Me Money
Sometime ago you gave a handy hint about saving spare change…well I always found I needed that spare change. That was until I purchased a beautiful Chanel purse (sadly a knock-off…but one day…) anyway the coin section broke so I started putting that change in the console in the car and then into a moneybox at home. It's only been a couple of weeks and at last count there was over $70. The plan is whenever the moneybox reaches $100 it then goes into our holiday savings account. Such an easy way to save - all it took was a broken purse!
Contributed by Angela McCormick, 7th February 2013
Contributed by Angela McCormick, 7th February 2013
7 Ways to Stretch a Dollar
I love being thrifty and stretching the dollar since I am at home now~ 1. When planting vegetable or flower seeds, use egg cartons. 2. Cut paper towels in half so they will go twice as far. 3. Use 1 cup of vinegar to a gallon of water to clean walls, ceiling fans, etc. 4. Make Cheapskates washing detergent from recipe on the website. Goes so much further. 5. If you are overwhelmed with clutter, set the timer for 15 minutes each day to do the job gradually. 6. Make cleanup time fun for little children by challenging them to have all the toys put away before the timer goes off. Games make it fun! 7. Drink water instead of soft drinks for the majority of the time.
Contributed by Cindy Crosby, 27th January 2013
Contributed by Cindy Crosby, 27th January 2013
If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail
Approximate $ Savings: $30 per week
Like most people, I love a morning coffee and instead of wasting at least $4 a day buying coffee at my local coffee shop, first thing I do in the morning is put the kettle on and make my own plunger coffee (which I only ever buy on special from the supermarket, in bulk). I then put it in a thermos and drink all day, at my leisure. The thermos keeps it warm and I have quality coffee all day long! Contributed by Refija Larcombe, 1st September 2010
Like most people, I love a morning coffee and instead of wasting at least $4 a day buying coffee at my local coffee shop, first thing I do in the morning is put the kettle on and make my own plunger coffee (which I only ever buy on special from the supermarket, in bulk). I then put it in a thermos and drink all day, at my leisure. The thermos keeps it warm and I have quality coffee all day long! Contributed by Refija Larcombe, 1st September 2010
Saving Change Adds Up Quickly
For many years I have regularly emptied change from my wallet and car and saved it in a jar tucked away. Usually within three months of saving even silver coins, there is around $35.00 to cash in at the bank. Then I go shopping and buy a gift or gifts and tuck away for Christmas. If you do this three or four times a year, this is a big help toward making Christmas less expensive. My husband and I are about to go on our first overseas holiday together. We have both been putting all coins aside when needed and we have managed to save a great deal that might have otherwise been spent on things like take-a-way coffee or treats on the run. We have not missed the money and will do it again. I recommend this to all my friends and especially to young families where every cent counts. You could also do this to help towards children's parties.
Contributed by Kathy Matthews, 5th August 2010
Contributed by Kathy Matthews, 5th August 2010
Drink Can Saving
Approximate $ Savings: $600-$700
A friend told me you could fit over $600 in $2 coins in a drink can which I found hard to believe so thought I'd give it a try. When the tab is pulled off the can you can only fit $2 coins in the opening...5cent coins will also fit but the goal was to see how much a can of $2 coins would add up to. I washed and dried the can and started adding the coins. Low and behold by the time the can was full there was over $640! I ended up getting a larger beer can and that can holds over $700. I've got to the stage where I can't spend a $2 coin, which probably isn't a bad thing. After seeing the amount the drink can held my friend has been saving her $2 coins as well and it came in very handy with unexpected car repairs.
- Contributed by Dianne Keen, 15th July 2010
A friend told me you could fit over $600 in $2 coins in a drink can which I found hard to believe so thought I'd give it a try. When the tab is pulled off the can you can only fit $2 coins in the opening...5cent coins will also fit but the goal was to see how much a can of $2 coins would add up to. I washed and dried the can and started adding the coins. Low and behold by the time the can was full there was over $640! I ended up getting a larger beer can and that can holds over $700. I've got to the stage where I can't spend a $2 coin, which probably isn't a bad thing. After seeing the amount the drink can held my friend has been saving her $2 coins as well and it came in very handy with unexpected car repairs.
- Contributed by Dianne Keen, 15th July 2010
Bottle the Savings
Grab a 600ml bottle of water, drink all of it (keep healthy very filling), then dry out bottle and hide away in cupboard. At the end of each day empty pockets and purse of $2 coins into the bottle. When it is full you have $1000 saved! Great to start now to save up for a Christmas bonus and/or a weekend away! Real motivation for a great goal.
Contributed by FC, 25th February 2009
Contributed by FC, 25th February 2009
Keeping a Piggy Bank in the Car = Big Loose Change Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $20-$60 per week
I used to put all my loose change in the centre console of my car, and it would get spent on 'nothings' like drinks at the servo, or ice-creams at McDonalds for my 5 kids. But now I have put a cheap moneybox in my car. Every time I get in the car after shopping, I put all my change in the tin. As I try to take cash to do my shopping, instead of card, I have change almost every time. The first week I was shocked to find $34 in it. I have never found less than $20, and have found up to $75! At the end of the month, I used some of the money to take the family out for fish and chips at the beach and put the rest in my Christmas fund moneybox (and that is another story!).
Contributed by Stephanie, Burpengary, 27th January 2009
I used to put all my loose change in the centre console of my car, and it would get spent on 'nothings' like drinks at the servo, or ice-creams at McDonalds for my 5 kids. But now I have put a cheap moneybox in my car. Every time I get in the car after shopping, I put all my change in the tin. As I try to take cash to do my shopping, instead of card, I have change almost every time. The first week I was shocked to find $34 in it. I have never found less than $20, and have found up to $75! At the end of the month, I used some of the money to take the family out for fish and chips at the beach and put the rest in my Christmas fund moneybox (and that is another story!).
Contributed by Stephanie, Burpengary, 27th January 2009
Save Money and the Planet Simultaneously
Approximate $ Savings: $185 per month
We've found that saving money and saving the planet go hand in hand! My household has adopted the following rules that are set to save us (and our planet) a fortune! 1.Avoiding purchase of plastic products: this rules out bottled water (Melbourne tap water is fine!), soft drinks (really add up in price) and sauces etc (we have had fun and saved money making our own!) not to mention avoiding the negative effect that plastic has on our environment. 2.Everyone showering consecutively: this means you don't waste water and energy whilst the shower heats up and you have to stick to your 4 minute shower or someone else misses out on hot water altogether! 3.Grey water: we catch our shower water in a bucket and as we have a small yard this is all we need to completely water our growing garden. 4.Car pooling with neighbours: my next door neighbour works near where I do, so with a little bit of organisation I can carpool with him and we save on fuel and carbon emissions daily and get to have a good chat on the way which reduces traffic stress! 5.Changing work start time: my neighbour and I have been lucky enough to be allowed to start and finish work later. This means that we avoid lots of traffic and fuel usage caused by 'stop start driving'. 6.Combine trips: we have run all our errands in one go and shopped once a week, this prevents popping out and spending money unnecessarily and fosters an innovative 'make do mentality' which has resulted in some interesting new dishes to add to our repertoire too! 7.Getting rid of our clothes drier: given how bad it is for the environment we decided to sell our drier. We're quite happy to make do with our 2 clotheshorses and remove the temptation (plus our electricity bill is far smaller and we made some money on eBay!) 8.Make use of natural light: minimise the lights on in the house by cooking etc when it's still light outside so that when it's dark everyone can be in the same room and there aren't lights on all over the house. - 9.Installing energy saving light bulbs: speak for themselves 10.Composting: we've started a compost heap that is free and easy to maintain. It's fascinating to see nature and science at work in front of your very eyes. Additionally, you save a fortune on buying soil enriching products and plants that die due to poor nutrients! This is great for us as we are building a garden from scratch and are spending a great deal on it at present. We are always finding more ways to save money and the planet environmentally. It's great to have that extra motivation to save and feel proud of yourself! So far the savings financially have on average amounted to the following: $100 quarterly energy bill, $30 off weekly fuel bill, $40 month on potting mix and replacement plants.
Contributed by Rachel, Alphington, 28th March 2010
We've found that saving money and saving the planet go hand in hand! My household has adopted the following rules that are set to save us (and our planet) a fortune! 1.Avoiding purchase of plastic products: this rules out bottled water (Melbourne tap water is fine!), soft drinks (really add up in price) and sauces etc (we have had fun and saved money making our own!) not to mention avoiding the negative effect that plastic has on our environment. 2.Everyone showering consecutively: this means you don't waste water and energy whilst the shower heats up and you have to stick to your 4 minute shower or someone else misses out on hot water altogether! 3.Grey water: we catch our shower water in a bucket and as we have a small yard this is all we need to completely water our growing garden. 4.Car pooling with neighbours: my next door neighbour works near where I do, so with a little bit of organisation I can carpool with him and we save on fuel and carbon emissions daily and get to have a good chat on the way which reduces traffic stress! 5.Changing work start time: my neighbour and I have been lucky enough to be allowed to start and finish work later. This means that we avoid lots of traffic and fuel usage caused by 'stop start driving'. 6.Combine trips: we have run all our errands in one go and shopped once a week, this prevents popping out and spending money unnecessarily and fosters an innovative 'make do mentality' which has resulted in some interesting new dishes to add to our repertoire too! 7.Getting rid of our clothes drier: given how bad it is for the environment we decided to sell our drier. We're quite happy to make do with our 2 clotheshorses and remove the temptation (plus our electricity bill is far smaller and we made some money on eBay!) 8.Make use of natural light: minimise the lights on in the house by cooking etc when it's still light outside so that when it's dark everyone can be in the same room and there aren't lights on all over the house. - 9.Installing energy saving light bulbs: speak for themselves 10.Composting: we've started a compost heap that is free and easy to maintain. It's fascinating to see nature and science at work in front of your very eyes. Additionally, you save a fortune on buying soil enriching products and plants that die due to poor nutrients! This is great for us as we are building a garden from scratch and are spending a great deal on it at present. We are always finding more ways to save money and the planet environmentally. It's great to have that extra motivation to save and feel proud of yourself! So far the savings financially have on average amounted to the following: $100 quarterly energy bill, $30 off weekly fuel bill, $40 month on potting mix and replacement plants.
Contributed by Rachel, Alphington, 28th March 2010
Not Drinking Her Way to South Africa
Approximate $ Savings: $2340
Ok, so I love a drink after work, and love dinners with all my friends, but I sat down and worked out just how expensive my drinking habit was (lets forget about the health issues for now). I was buying on average 4 bottles of wine a week, averaging $15 a bottle, that's $60 a week for 3 litres of wine! I was spending on average $3120 a year on alcohol! So, I did some soul searching and taste testing, and I now buy one 4 litre cask of wine (that tastes better than some of the bottled stuff I bought)and lasts me a fortnight (I unashamedly arrive at parties with my cask, much to my friends amusement) That one cask costs me.... $15! So, I have a projected alcohol bill of $390 a year ($15 x 26 = $390), even allowing for one bottle a fortnight for special occasions ($15 x 26 = $390) that's a projected total yearly alcohol bill of $780! That's a projected saving of $2340 a year, and roughly the same amount as the plane ticket to South Africa I a saving for! I'm only a few months into the new regimen, but it's paying off, as I automatically put what I would have spent on wine into my South Africa account, and it's starting to look good! Oh yeah, and I'm cutting down on consumption and starting to feel better too!
Contributed by Kirsty, Deniliquin, 20th August 2009
Ok, so I love a drink after work, and love dinners with all my friends, but I sat down and worked out just how expensive my drinking habit was (lets forget about the health issues for now). I was buying on average 4 bottles of wine a week, averaging $15 a bottle, that's $60 a week for 3 litres of wine! I was spending on average $3120 a year on alcohol! So, I did some soul searching and taste testing, and I now buy one 4 litre cask of wine (that tastes better than some of the bottled stuff I bought)and lasts me a fortnight (I unashamedly arrive at parties with my cask, much to my friends amusement) That one cask costs me.... $15! So, I have a projected alcohol bill of $390 a year ($15 x 26 = $390), even allowing for one bottle a fortnight for special occasions ($15 x 26 = $390) that's a projected total yearly alcohol bill of $780! That's a projected saving of $2340 a year, and roughly the same amount as the plane ticket to South Africa I a saving for! I'm only a few months into the new regimen, but it's paying off, as I automatically put what I would have spent on wine into my South Africa account, and it's starting to look good! Oh yeah, and I'm cutting down on consumption and starting to feel better too!
Contributed by Kirsty, Deniliquin, 20th August 2009
Never Leave Home With Coins in Your Purse
Approximate $ Savings: $900
One of the simplest ways to save money, after the initial $2 outlay for money box tin at the $2 shops, is to never leave home with coins in your pocket or purse. I only put $2, $1 and 50 cent coins in the tin and after about 10 months I had just under $900 which I never missed in the first place. All other coins I put in a jar for "need" money i.e. milk, paper etc
Contributed by Stefan, Hillbank, 12th February 2010
One of the simplest ways to save money, after the initial $2 outlay for money box tin at the $2 shops, is to never leave home with coins in your pocket or purse. I only put $2, $1 and 50 cent coins in the tin and after about 10 months I had just under $900 which I never missed in the first place. All other coins I put in a jar for "need" money i.e. milk, paper etc
Contributed by Stefan, Hillbank, 12th February 2010
Bagging the Savings
Another way of saving money at Christmas time is to purchase a fairly large calico bag and fill it with all of your spare change during the year. This can add up to around $3OO being saved to buy food with. You can also open up a Christmas club account with your bank and put say $5.00 per week aside to spend on pressies or food.
Contributed by Maryellen Flynn, 13th December 2009
Contributed by Maryellen Flynn, 13th December 2009
Building a Paper Money Nest Egg
Approximate $ Savings: $1000+
Instead of saving coins to build up a nest egg I save $5 notes. Each time I get a $5 note in my change I put it aside. It's not hard to save $20-$30 per week this way...out of the purse it's not noticed while a nice nest egg is accumulating for birthday and Christmas presents or those occasional "splurges" on a night out with friends. Sure, there is less money in the purse, but this way it is less temptation to spend on unnecessary purchases.
Contributed by Jenny, Port Adelaide, 7th October 2009
Instead of saving coins to build up a nest egg I save $5 notes. Each time I get a $5 note in my change I put it aside. It's not hard to save $20-$30 per week this way...out of the purse it's not noticed while a nice nest egg is accumulating for birthday and Christmas presents or those occasional "splurges" on a night out with friends. Sure, there is less money in the purse, but this way it is less temptation to spend on unnecessary purchases.
Contributed by Jenny, Port Adelaide, 7th October 2009
Buy Your Morning Coffee and Save
Approximate $ Savings: $365/year
I save money by buying my own homemade coffee! I am hopeless at putting money away for a rainy day, then I had an idea. I cannot function without my morning coffee, so I have put a tin next to the coffee jar, and have to put $1 in the tin before I make my first coffee. I always manage to find $1 in change laying around the house, so instead of it disappearing into thin air, the dollar goes into my coffee tin, helping me to save at least $365 dollars a year, and it is very helpful toward those Christmas expenses! Of course if your partner also enjoys his morning drink, get him to pay, doubling the cash savings.
Contributed by Nicole, Fulham Gardens, 11th March 2009
I save money by buying my own homemade coffee! I am hopeless at putting money away for a rainy day, then I had an idea. I cannot function without my morning coffee, so I have put a tin next to the coffee jar, and have to put $1 in the tin before I make my first coffee. I always manage to find $1 in change laying around the house, so instead of it disappearing into thin air, the dollar goes into my coffee tin, helping me to save at least $365 dollars a year, and it is very helpful toward those Christmas expenses! Of course if your partner also enjoys his morning drink, get him to pay, doubling the cash savings.
Contributed by Nicole, Fulham Gardens, 11th March 2009
The Humble Piggybank Builds Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $500.00
I picked this up from a magazine years ago and it works a treat. When going shopping use only notes. Any change that you bring home with you put into piggy-banks and when they are full count them up and deposit into your banking account. I use separate tins for various denominations and it makes it easier to count up. I would reckon that I would save upwards of $500.00 a year. The more in the household the more you will probably save - if you can afford to do it, of course. Try it, it works.
Contributed by Clive, Canowindra, 26th March 2009
I picked this up from a magazine years ago and it works a treat. When going shopping use only notes. Any change that you bring home with you put into piggy-banks and when they are full count them up and deposit into your banking account. I use separate tins for various denominations and it makes it easier to count up. I would reckon that I would save upwards of $500.00 a year. The more in the household the more you will probably save - if you can afford to do it, of course. Try it, it works.
Contributed by Clive, Canowindra, 26th March 2009
The World is Your Oyster
I decided late last year that I was carrying around too much coin in my purse. Yes we have all sorts of coins stashed away from 5 cents through to $2. Well I decided I didn't need any silver coins cluttering up my purse so each day when I come home I empty the silver coins into my "coin basket" and watch the savings multiply. Once my basket is full I simply take to the bank and deposit into my savings account - which then gets transferred to my high interest earning account. It takes a little adjusting however in my first few months of saving I banked $80. Money to use for mortgage payments or the like. Just in January alone I've already taken the basket back up to $30. I also put aside my $1 coins for doing our laundry as we are currently renovating and already I do not miss these either so once the laundry has been renovated the $1 coins will be added to my "coin basket". Through saving all of my silver coins, I do not spend any extra money. I am still only taking out what I need and actually LI'm now taking out less money than I was before and still managing to have money left over at the end of the week. Thereby reducing the need to withdraw more funds from my bank account. WIN-WIN situation all around.
Contributed by Rae, Yarraville, 3rd February 2009
Contributed by Rae, Yarraville, 3rd February 2009
The Ten Cent Saver
Every time I get a 10 cent piece I put into a special money box, which I then bank when I reach the $5.00 mark and when I need it I pay for something special.
Contributed by Maryellen Flynn, 19th January 2009
Contributed by Maryellen Flynn, 19th January 2009
Organizing Magazines Saves Money
Approximate $ Savings: $40-$60 pa
Each month I used to buy a cooking and a home/garden magazine. I tried to resist but to no avail. I found the 'seasonal' issues eg. Easter, Spring and Christmas really hard to walk past even though many of the articles and recipes were recycled year to year. Over the years I had amassed quite a collection of magazines. One day I decided to reorganise them all (about 4 years worth!) into month order. Now whenever I see the Christmas Cooking issue (for example) at the supermarket I need not buy it but can refer to my own 'December' collection of magazines for cooking and decorating ideas. Contributed by Claudine, Capalaba, 18th November 2008
Each month I used to buy a cooking and a home/garden magazine. I tried to resist but to no avail. I found the 'seasonal' issues eg. Easter, Spring and Christmas really hard to walk past even though many of the articles and recipes were recycled year to year. Over the years I had amassed quite a collection of magazines. One day I decided to reorganise them all (about 4 years worth!) into month order. Now whenever I see the Christmas Cooking issue (for example) at the supermarket I need not buy it but can refer to my own 'December' collection of magazines for cooking and decorating ideas. Contributed by Claudine, Capalaba, 18th November 2008
At Home Savings
When my son was born we wanted to start a savings account for him, but it was tough monetary times. So we decided on an experimental strategy to see if it 'paid off' so to speak. We were so broke that we couldn't afford to just keep 'all' of our change for savings, so we decided to just keep our fifty cent coins. When ever either myself or my partner get a 50c coin, we don't spend it. We put it in our son's money tin. Although it's not much even on a week-to-week basis, we found that within his first year of life we'd saved him nearly $300! I now (behind my partner's back), have begun another secret savings stash that I plan to use for a holiday together. It's just every second $2 coin I find in my purse at the end of each second day. I have a 20 litre drum that I found in the shed, cleaned up and hid in my wardrobe. I haven't counted it yet, but in only six months I'd say I have filled just over 1/8 of the drum!
Contributed by Kylie, Jane Brook, 25th October 2008
Contributed by Kylie, Jane Brook, 25th October 2008
Markdowns Build Savings and Pay Off Debt
Every time I get something from the supermarket that has been marked down, like bread, rolls, meat, milk, etc, I always put the difference between the normal price and the marked down price in a separate jar, and put that money into a savings account or towards my credit card debt.
Contributed by Sue, Morley, 6th July 2008
Contributed by Sue, Morley, 6th July 2008
The Never Empty Money Cup
I made myself a cup (a bit uneven and wobbly) and decided it would be like a money cup and this cup would never be empty. Sometimes it has only 5 cents in it but it has never been empty in the years I have owned it. My lucky cup. I now make cups for my friends and put some coins into it for each member of their family and the rule is the cup can never be empty. Being a cheapskate you have to use your imagination sometimes to create a bit of fun and hope, that way you always have a bit of money and a fun gift.
Contributed by E. Rushton, 11th June 2008
Contributed by E. Rushton, 11th June 2008
Saving the Discounted Difference
A way to save, but you have to be disciplined. When you buy something on special or get a discount, put the difference between the price you paid and the actual cost of the item (even the 4c litre on petrol) into an account and see how much you accumulate.
Contributed by Brian, 20th June 2005
Contributed by Brian, 20th June 2005
Envelope Method Works for Saving Too
Approximate $ Savings: $20/week
I have just moved from the country to the city to take up a traineeship. As I am a trainee I make less than peanuts per week and find it hard to obtain those more expensive luxury items that are so hard to come by these days (my current want is an SLR camera). To avoid the temptation of spending money in my keycard account or cash in my wallet, I withdraw approximately $20 a week, put it in a envelope and hide it in my room. This stops me spending money on small unnecessary items and I have money put away for something I want or even in the case of an emergency (my car breaks down a lot) and I don't have to pay bank fees for a savings account where I can easily withdraw it anyway! Contributed by Emily, Stones Corner, 12th June 2008
I have just moved from the country to the city to take up a traineeship. As I am a trainee I make less than peanuts per week and find it hard to obtain those more expensive luxury items that are so hard to come by these days (my current want is an SLR camera). To avoid the temptation of spending money in my keycard account or cash in my wallet, I withdraw approximately $20 a week, put it in a envelope and hide it in my room. This stops me spending money on small unnecessary items and I have money put away for something I want or even in the case of an emergency (my car breaks down a lot) and I don't have to pay bank fees for a savings account where I can easily withdraw it anyway! Contributed by Emily, Stones Corner, 12th June 2008
Small Change Adds Up
Approximate $ Savings: $1000 a year
Every night when returning home as I empty my pockets (keys etc) I drop my loose change in to a jar. Monthly I pay the total into a savings account (could be a Christmas club etc). Yearly (on my birthday) I pay off a debt (my house or car etc).
Contributed by Stanley, Belfield, 6th April 2008
Every night when returning home as I empty my pockets (keys etc) I drop my loose change in to a jar. Monthly I pay the total into a savings account (could be a Christmas club etc). Yearly (on my birthday) I pay off a debt (my house or car etc).
Contributed by Stanley, Belfield, 6th April 2008
Mindless Holiday Saving
Approximate $ Savings: $1,180
We bought a large tin money box from a cheap store and for 10 months saved all gold coins that came into our hand. Over the 10 months we saved $1180 towards our holiday to Queensland. We didn't even miss the coins after a while as we knew it was going towards our family holiday. The savings meant we could go out to dinner with our kids, instead of cooking, while we were on holidays. Contributed by Sarah, St. Clair, 22nd December 2007
We bought a large tin money box from a cheap store and for 10 months saved all gold coins that came into our hand. Over the 10 months we saved $1180 towards our holiday to Queensland. We didn't even miss the coins after a while as we knew it was going towards our family holiday. The savings meant we could go out to dinner with our kids, instead of cooking, while we were on holidays. Contributed by Sarah, St. Clair, 22nd December 2007
Walking Away Builds Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $100 - $1000's
I love to shop but when saving for an overseas trip and on a low wage, I would go window shopping and when I saw something I wanted to buy I would walk away and decide if I REALLY needed it. If I could live without the item (most of the time you can!) I would put the same dollar amount of the item into my savings account! (e.g. if a top was $50 dollars, I would bank $50 instead of spending it). You still get the buzz of shopping, but save at the same time! I saved $10,000 in just over one year and had my overseas trip.
Contributed by Nikki, Point Cook, 17th July 2007
I love to shop but when saving for an overseas trip and on a low wage, I would go window shopping and when I saw something I wanted to buy I would walk away and decide if I REALLY needed it. If I could live without the item (most of the time you can!) I would put the same dollar amount of the item into my savings account! (e.g. if a top was $50 dollars, I would bank $50 instead of spending it). You still get the buzz of shopping, but save at the same time! I saved $10,000 in just over one year and had my overseas trip.
Contributed by Nikki, Point Cook, 17th July 2007
Diet is a Money Saver
For people looking to lose weight, instead of spending your money on program for Mind and Body Health, save your money and lose weight by buying less junk food and uneeded food. Think of your diet as a money saver in your budget.
Contributed by Chandra, Leopold, May 15th 2005
Contributed by Chandra, Leopold, May 15th 2005
Learning to Save
Have a jar/moneybox in close range to where you leave your wallet. Each time you have change, place it directly into the jar/moneybox and watch the savings. It is also a good idea to place any money that you did not spend (i.e. difference between making lunch and buying lunch). I go one step further by having my two-year old daughter place the money. This way she commences learning how to save.
Contributed by Angel, North Epping, May 2nd 2005
Contributed by Angel, North Epping, May 2nd 2005
Never Spend a 50 Cent Coin
I never spend a 50 cent piece if given one in change. I put it in a money box and it is remarkable how quickly they add up, I manage to save at least $350 a year, I now have my mother who is on a pension doing it and she saves around $200 a year without noticing it. Even if the bill comes to $3.40 and she has a 50 cent piece in her purse, she will give them $4.00 thereby saving $1 on that day, (the 50c she had in her purse + the 50c they gave her in change) just a little tip but it works for us. Contributed by Kaye, Busselton, March 10th 2005
Money Tins are Fast Way to Save
Have a sealed tin set up at home, and whenever you go to the shops and come back with coins, place them in the tin. When you are out you can continue to spend them until you get home, and you have to place them in the tin regardless of how much money is coins. It worked for me and my partner. In the space of 10 weeks we saved over $300.
Contributed by Kelly, Winnellie, March 16th 2005
Contributed by Kelly, Winnellie, March 16th 2005
Changing Habits can Save Lots of Money
Every day on my way to work I'd stop at the deli and pay $1.90 for a Coke. This was 5 days a week. Then I found cartons of coke on special at various times at the supermarkets. Now I pay 50c for each drink instead. A small thing, but big savings over time.
Contributed by Gaynor, Rostrevor, March 3rd 2005
Contributed by Gaynor, Rostrevor, March 3rd 2005
Saving Coins
I have found that by saving every single coin, I have managed to save over a thousand dollars a year. You start off from the beginning of January to end of December, by placing every single coin, whether it's gold or silver coins, in money boxes and forgetting that they are there. By the end of the year, you will be amazed how much you have saved.
Contributed by Cheryl, Eudunda, October 7th 2006
Contributed by Cheryl, Eudunda, October 7th 2006
End of the Day Savings
If I need to go to my local supermarket I try to go later in the day. The store will discount lots of muffins, cakes, bread etc which I then take home and freeze and use when necessary. A great way to save and still get good produce.
Contributed by Kathie, Engadine, July 19th 2006
Contributed by Kathie, Engadine, July 19th 2006
Saving Coins
I have found that saving every single coin, I have managed to save over a thousand dollars a year. You start off from the beginning of January to end of December, by placing every single coin, whether it's gold or silver coins in money boxes and forgetting that they are there, by the end of the year, you will be amazed how much you have saved.
Contributed by Cheryl, Eudunda, September 7th 2006
Contributed by Cheryl, Eudunda, September 7th 2006
Money Jar
Spray the inside of a mayonnaise jar white. Store it in the refrigerator as a hiding place for money or valuables. This may not fool burglars, but it might fool hubby and the kids!
Make Your Pay Packet go Further
Make your pay packet go further: each week wait one extra day before spending your pay and if paid weekly, at the end of seven weeks you will have one whole pay left. For example: week 1 get paid on Thursday, wait until Friday before using any, week 2, paid on Thursday, do not touch until Saturday, week 3 paid on Thursday, do not touch until Sunday, week 4 paid on Thursday, do not touch until Monday, week 5 paid on Thursday, do not touch until Tuesday, week 6 paid on Thursday, do not touch until Wednesday, week 7 paid on Thursday, hey you just started using last week's pay yesterday! You can use this concept with a whole pay or any amount of a pay, say your grocery money, it's about making it last one day longer each pay.
Contributed by Janifer, Geelong, 4 May, 2004
Contributed by Janifer, Geelong, 4 May, 2004
Recycling Cans
To save money for our upcoming holiday combined with my daily exercise I walk through the local house construction/building estate near our home collecting recycleable cans and bottles which we cash in. We get $5-$10 each week for this (which will be our spending money) and now my kids want to go for the walks as well!!
Contributed by David, 6 April, 2003
Contributed by David, 6 April, 2003
$1, $2 & 50c Jars
Since reading about your "50c" collections towards your holiday, I've expanded on this by doing $1, $2 as well as the 50c jars. I've put these towards our 10th anniversary dinner, xmas presies, my partner's birthday presie and charity bin = I like to buy lots of goodies to donate c/- charity agents at xmas time. It's surprising just how much gets collected over a period of time and by just looking into your own purse and putting away spare change. I've found that I'm ahead of my targets so far and see this as a nice bonus added in with little effort. Thanks,
Contributed by Anet, 16 September, 2003
Contributed by Anet, 16 September, 2003